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7-30-02 Latest News
Heavenly Creatures DVD debate continues.....
Well just read this on www.aintitcoolnews.com Hi, Someone showed me your article about the original pan&scan announcement of Heavenly Creatures. Unfortunately, the 2.35:1 letterboxing is the most minor issue (and actually a controversial one since the film was originally made in 1.66:1) with the upcoming release of Heavenly Creatures on DVD, since the film was heavily censored my Miramax before it's release in the US and several other countries! In case you weren't already aware, there are several problems with the Miramax *edited* versions of Heavenly Creatures: Heavenly Creatures was originally released in New Zealand to much critical acclaim at a length of 108 minutes. After it was shown uncut in just a few other countries, Miramax purchased distribution rights to most fo the rest of the world, but made Peter Jackson remove 9 minutes from the original version because they were "too Brittish for American audiences". However, there were several other edits made to censor content Miramax/Disney thought was not suitable for general audiences, including violence to clay people, more dream sequences, and even the final shot of the film was removed, significantly changing the effect of the ending! Miramax did later allow Peter Jackson to restore 3 of the 9 removed minutes to the UK release only, so there are actually 3 different cuts of the film in existance now... (The "workprint" version is just the original New Zealand uncut version with a timecode on it used to make the US edits...) As for the aspect ratio, the film was shot in 1.66:1, and matted to 2.35:1 for theatrical releases, but the matte was opened for home video releases in all countries other than the US/Canada - we got a Pan&scan of the already matted 2.35:1 image, so we missed almost 3/4 of the original image on video (as did the Canadian DVD) The ideal presentation of Heavenly Creatures will be open matte 16:9 enhanced 1.66:1 with matting via subtitles (as was done very nicely on Pioneer's Bride of Re-Animator DVD) with a seamless branching presentation of all 3 versions of the film. Unless they clearly state otherwise, I believe that Miramax unfortunately intends to release only the most edited version, and not even include the cut scenes and shots as extras on the DVD. however, I think only a serious letter writing campaign has any chance of succeeding unfortunately, but you never know... -GregorM Well what do you guys think? This is turning into quite a dilemna. Now the way I see it is that Miramax will no doubt release HC in the US version. I remember seeing HC for the first time at the cinema a few years back, the ratio was incorrect and it was the US cut. After being so used to the UK cut, I remember watching it and yelping when i saw some of my faviourte scenes had been cut out! I don't want this to happen again when I see HC on DVD for the first time. So what can we do? Well to be honest unless we break into Miramax, pin down Harvey Weinstein, point a gun at his head and say 'Harvey give me a seamless branching, correct ratio, dolby 5.1 version of Heavenly Creatures now! Or say goodbye to mr.left testicle' We havent got a hope in hell. BUT what has helped in the past are signature campaigns. So I urge you all to go visit this link and put your name down. Its worth a shit at least, even if the current DVD gets released maybe theres hope of a later SE of Heavenly Creatures. Here's hoping!
7-24-02 Latest News
New Board of Bastards Entry Well look what happened. There I was sitting minding my own business and this came through my mailbox.  Yes it could only be the infamous suicide of Marc Newton who killed himself on ITV's 'Friday with Franklin' two years ago. He was part of the boy band MBLM, populor in the 80s, unknown in the 90s. Now I was too young to remember it, and frankly too pissed the last time i got repeated on TV. So I'm glad someone's sent me in a BOB entry for a website dedicated to it. Now I hear you say, what the hell has this got to do with PJ? Well why don't you have a look then.... all will be revealed in the future :) Visit the Board of Bastards entry NOW!
7-21-02 Latest News
Heavenly Creatures DVD UPDATE
Well apparently Buena Vista had a little admin error, and in fact the film will be released in it's original 2:35:1 format on DVD. Yay! Now sort out the sound and extras problem and I'll be a happy bastard :)
7-18-02 Latest News
Heavenly? Yeah right!
Well this is a sad day for the DVD release of Heavenly Creatures. For many weeks we've all been getting excited about the upcoming release of Heavenly Creatures on DVD, today the specs have arrived. Prepare to puke up that bagel you had for breakfast. Released on 9/24 the film will be presented in full frame only and English 2.0 Dolby surround, with no extras aside from trailers. They call this a special edition??? Buena Vista need to get a reality check. There is no way i am going to buy that pathetic release. Jesus it isnt any better than the previous canadian release. At least that was a hell of a lot cheaper than this. Let's hope Buena Vista get slapped round the face by the big man himself, and release the Special Edition we were promised, and the film deserves!
7-15-02 Latest News
Meet the Feebles DVD?
That's right. Seems like that Anchor Bay may very well be releasing Peter Jackson's Opus 'Meet the Feebles' sometime in 2003 There was a chat direct with Anchor Bay at www.horrordvds.com where this fact was revealed ;0 Exciting news i think you'll agree :)
6-30-02 Latest News
KING KONG LIVES? Nope I'm not talking about that crappy 1986 film. Apparently PJ's King Kong may just happen. Read On.... 
Before he started in on the Lord of the Rings, Peter Jackson was developing a remake of King Kong for Universal. A script was written, effects tests were done, money had been spent. And then the plug was pulled. Jackson instead turned to his epic adaptation of Tolkein - and hit gold. Now, as we salivate over the latest teaser poster and trailer for the next chapter in the LOTR saga, it is being reported that Jackson is looking ahead to his next project - and that might very well be Kong. According to Filmjerk: They're ready to make Kong now, with Peter Jackson at the helm. If the report I got from Mr. Transistorsan is correct, Universal and Jackson's team are in primary negotiations to get the project up and running as soon as The Return of the King is released. And can you blame Universal for wanting this? The remainder of their summer 2002 schedule is pretty bleak, thanks to bad management choices in the recent past. Their offering thus far, The Scorpion King and The Bourne Identity may both eventually sqeak their way into profitability after every last ancillary market has been bled dry, but neither will be fondly remembered in the Black Tower. Blue Crush is nothing more than a "we have to keep Grazer happy" throwaway title which will be their Allnighter for this year. It's not to early start crossing our fingers. A Jackson helmed Kong could be AMAZING, and should at the very least wash the taste of the 1970s version out of our mouths.
6-09-02 Latest News
Great Two Towers Fan Music MP3 That's right, we've been sent in this link to a great Mp3 for a fan submission. Its sounds brilliant and well worth a download, so go DOWNLOAD it now! :) You'll be thankful you did :)
The 2002 MTV Movie Awards
Despite having to fight off competition from such cinematic masterpieces as Legally Blonde, American Pie 2 and some movie about a kid wizard, Fellowship of the Ring managed to cart off 2 ornamental popcorn buckets at this year's MTV Movie Awards. Orlando Bloom won best Breakthrough Male, and Fellowship of the Ring won Best Movie. Didn't see the whole of the show, but the highlight for me was Kelly Osbourne singing Papa Don't Preach. Classy stuff. Sam
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